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By: Katie Beth Luna, Brawley Chamber of Commerce Director.
At the Chamber, we celebrate! We celebrate during Grand Openings, Re-Grand Openings, Mixers, awards dinners, business functions and community functions. Celebrating achievement is vital to nourishing the spirit of the business community and as the Chamber of Commerce, it’s our duty to nourish the spirit of the business community. While all the celebrating seems like just a time to gather for a drink or two, it’s actually a calculated art.
At the beginning of life for each new business, they must, without reservation, have a Grand Opening Celebration, at which a ribbon cutting ceremony is conducted. It is a vital. The Grand Opening Celebration is an opportunity for the business owner to publicly and very loudly announce to the community that they are open for business. It’s an opportunity to build relationships with potential clients and to fuel a positive public image for the company. Both of which are foundational building blocks in business. During each Grand Opening there must be a ribbon cutting ceremony. The formality of cutting the ribbon is a symbol of a fresh or new beginning for the business but on a personal level for the business owner, it can also bring a sense of relief and joy.
While hosting a Grand Opening Ceremony can be stressful, it shouldn’t be. It’s best to keep it simple and elegant, highlighting what the business does best instead of focusing on a party. The guests should feel welcome, comfortable, and pleasantly surprised with what the business has to offer. It’s always nice to have light refreshments and places for the guests to sit and chat. If you have partnered with your local Chamber of Commerce, often, they will provide you with an event itinerary that allows for a formal welcoming by City officials and Chamber President and then there is time for the owner to give a speech welcoming everyone to their business.
It’s important that the community members support new businesses and visit them during their Grand Opening Celebrations. The start of a new business is an accomplishment and is praise worthy. Most importantly, new business may mean new jobs for the community, increased incomes, and an overall better economic way of life. The Brawley Chamber of Commerce encourages all in our community to enjoy the celebrations and achievements of the businesses. Check out our website and social media sites or visit our office to find out what celebrations are in the future.
